Atlanta's Trusted Partner
in Food Safety
Training & Certification.
We help Metro Atlanta's restaurants, food trucks, and culinary entrepreneurs earn their ServSafe certification, stay health-code compliant, and build thriving food service businesses — through authorized ServSafe training, food handler courses, and a powerful industry network. Serving Georgia since 2011.
Trusted by Atlanta's food service community, health agencies & industry partners
Atlanta's Food Safety
Training Authority
The Greater Atlanta Restaurant Association (GARA) is Metro Atlanta's leading food safety training and certification organization. Since 2011, we have helped restaurants, food trucks, caterers, and culinary entrepreneurs earn their ServSafe certification, achieve Georgia food safety compliance, and build thriving food service businesses.
To empower Atlanta's food service community through education, certification, advocacy, and connection — creating a thriving ecosystem where every food entrepreneur has the tools to succeed.
We provide authorized ServSafe manager certification, food handler cards, HACCP training, and four comprehensive food safety training tracks — equipping every Atlanta food professional with the knowledge to operate safely and pass Georgia health inspections.
Our 1,200+ member network spans Atlanta restaurants, food trucks, caterers, pop-ups, and culinary entrepreneurs. Monthly events and industry meetups keep Metro Atlanta's food service community connected.
GARA helps Atlanta food service operators navigate Georgia Department of Public Health requirements, FDA Food Code compliance, health inspection prep, and the ever-changing regulatory landscape.
ServSafe Certification in Atlanta, Georgia
GARA is an authorized ServSafe provider offering food safety manager certification and food handler training across Metro Atlanta. ServSafe is the nationally recognized food safety certification program administered by the National Restaurant Association. Georgia law requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) per food service establishment.
GARA Pricing: All prices include a $35 GARA service fee on top of the base ServSafe price. GARA members may qualify for discounted rates — see membership plans below.
ServSafe Manager Certification9th Edition · ANAB-CFP Accredited
Self-paced online course in English, Spanish & French Canadian. Study at your own pace with 24/7 access.
Complete bundle — online course and exam access code. Exam taken at an approved testing location.
Already completed your coursework? Register for the certification exam only at an approved testing location.
ServSafe Food Handler Program
The ServSafe Food Handler Program delivers consistent food safety training to every employee on your team. Available in 5 languages. Certification valid for 3 years. Annual GARA members receive monthly free Food Handler courses for new employees.
Complete online course and assessment bundle. Available in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.
Printed study guides for instructor-led classroom training. English, 10-pack.
* GARA prices include a $35 service fee above ServSafe base pricing.
Additional ServSafe Programs
Equip your team with critical knowledge to accommodate guests with food allergies. Up to 15 million Americans have food allergies.
Learn responsible alcohol service essentials. Protect your operation from risks and liabilities.
Create and sustain a safe, appropriate work environment for all employees.
FREE training including Re-Opening Guidance, Delivery & Takeout, and Conflict De-escalation modules.
Food Safety & Restaurant
Business Training in Atlanta
GARA's four-track curriculum covers every dimension of running a food service business in Georgia — from ServSafe food safety certification and health code compliance to financial literacy, operations, and restaurant marketing. Available online, in-person, and through 1-on-1 coaching sessions across Metro Atlanta.
Master the essentials of food safety: ServSafe manager certification, food handler cards, HACCP principles, and Georgia health department compliance — everything required to pass your food service inspection.
- ServSafe Manager & Food Handler Certification
- Health Department compliance procedures
- SOPs: cooling, reheating, handwashing, temp logs
- Mock inspections & pre-inspection readiness
- Corrective action planning
Build or scale a food business with the practical, real-world structure you need — from startup planning to vendor management.
- Startup planning & business models (truck, caterer, pop-up, brick-and-mortar)
- Menu costing + profitability basics
- Licensing, permitting & legal structure
- Vendor management & scheduling
- Cost control essentials
Understand the numbers that drive your business — from daily cash flow to tax preparation and financial tools.
- Cash flow basics (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Pricing for profit: food cost %, labor %, overhead
- Understanding P&Ls and budgeting
- Taxes for small food businesses
- Tools: Square, Clover, QuickBooks, Wave
Build a memorable food brand, grow your audience on social media, and create exceptional customer experiences.
- Building a food-business brand identity
- Social media for culinary entrepreneurs (TikTok, Instagram)
- Customer service excellence
- Menu storytelling & design basics
- Online reviews: Google/Yelp management
Join Atlanta's Food Service
Industry Association
Become a GARA member and access Atlanta's most active restaurant and food safety training community. Both plans include food safety courses, ServSafe discounts, coaching, and expert resources for Georgia food service operators.
Perfect for getting started. Cancel anytime.
The complete package for serious food entrepreneurs.
Sponsorship Opportunities
GARA creates meaningful pathways for suppliers, service providers, and industry-related companies to invest in Atlanta's food service community. Sponsorships range from $5,000 to $10,000 and provide direct engagement with 1,200+ members across metro Atlanta.
Logo placement, event access, social media mentions
All Community Partner benefits + speaking opportunities, featured placement, dedicated spotlight
Atlanta Food Industry Resources
& Food Safety Alerts
GARA keeps Atlanta's food service community up to date on critical food safety recalls, FDA Food Code updates, and public health alerts from Georgia, USDA, and federal food safety agencies. Bookmark these resources — they can affect your operation immediately.
Food Safety Recalls & Alerts
State & federal agencies
Bookmark these pages. Food recalls can affect your operation immediately. Check them regularly or sign up for free email alerts from the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture.
Weekly updated list of food and feed product recalls distributed or produced in Georgia. Sign up for free email alerts.
Georgia OfficialReal-time public health alerts and recalls for meat, poultry, and egg products from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Federal — USDACurrent recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts for all FDA-regulated food products including produce, seafood, and packaged goods.
Federal — FDAOne-stop hub for real-time USDA and FDA recall notices, foodborne illness outbreak reports, and consumer food safety guidance.
Federal HubFoodborne illness outbreak investigations, multistate outbreak alerts, and food safety research from the CDC.
CDC OfficialThe official FDA Food Code — the model code used by Georgia and most U.S. states to regulate retail food establishments. Essential reference for every food service operator.
Regulatory Reference